The Deprogram Episode 211 -Retirement In Capitalism (Titans Of Capitalism)
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Dec 12, 2025 Dive into the fascinating history of retirement in capitalism. Discover how the New Deal shaped policies to combat elder poverty and view the evolution of pensions from union victories to the rise of 401(k)s. Uncover the hidden fees draining workers' savings and the grim reality of market crashes on retirees. Explore the troubling impact of private equity in elder care and the stark lessons from Chile's pension privatization. Finally, imagine a world where retirement is secure and equitable under socialism, emphasizing the personal stakes for all.
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White South African Patient Story
- Hakim recounts treating a white South African immigrant who praised apartheid-era privilege.
- The patient contrasted U.S. healthcare favorably and expressed reactionary views about race and culture.
Meeting Someone From Transnistria
- Yugo Gopnik met a man from Transnistria and was surprised by his proud, preserved local culture.
- The exchange highlighted unexpected pockets of different social systems and languages.
401(k) Turned Retirement Into A Market
- The 401(k) era began when a tax code tweak became a mass-market product for workers.
- That transformation privatized retirement risk and created a lucrative fee-based retirement industry.